Veterinary Workforce Solutions Program

Geographic Scope: National (United States); participating at 9 veterinary schools including Iowa State University, Penn State University, and Kansas State University

Focus Areas:

• Support for veterinary students in career development
• Address national shortage of rural, food-systems veterinarians
• Tackling student debt and financial planning
• Developing business management skills
• Learning community engagement in rural areas
• Mentorship from experienced veterinarians and educators

Eligibility:

• Veterinary students
• Early career veterinary professionals
• Pre-veterinary undergraduate students (expanded scope as of 2025)
• High school students interested in veterinary careers (expanded scope as of 2025)

Program Components:

• Online educational hub with learning modules covering:
  • Academic goal setting
  • Financial and business planning
  • Professional development
  • Experiential learning opportunities
• Mentorship through Veterinary Ambassadors program (experienced veterinarians and educators)
• Collaboration with National FFA, 4-H, extension educators

Background:

• The U.S. faces a critical shortage of veterinarians for livestock and poultry in rural areas
• More than 900 counties face veterinary shortages (as of 2024)
• Only 3-4% of new veterinary graduates pursue livestock/food animal practice (vs. 40% forty years ago)
• Over 500 rural counties nationwide need veterinarians (as of 2024)
• 240 veterinary shortage areas designated across 47 states by USDA NIFA (2024)
• To date, the pilot program has reached 450 students and early career professionals
• Student feedback shows: 50%+ know where they want to practice; 70% interested in starting their own business; 60% desire mentorship after graduation

Funders: Zoetis Foundation (initial support); Merck Foundation (expansion funding, 5-year commitment as of July 2025)

Contact:

• Dr. Clint Neill, Veterinary Program Manager, Farm Journal Foundation
• Farm Journal Foundation: fjf@FarmJournalFoundation.org
• 401 9th St. NW Suite 730, Washington, DC 20004

Application Information

No direct grant application process found. This is a program-based initiative where veterinary schools participate through institutional partnerships rather than individual applicant applications.

How Participation Works:

• Universities/veterinary colleges partner with Farm Journal Foundation
• Students at participating institutions access the online educational hub and resources
• Students can engage with mentors from the Veterinary Ambassadors program
• No individual application fees or competitive process described

For More Information:

• Contact Farm Journal Foundation directly at fjf@FarmJournalFoundation.org
• Visit www.farmjournalfoundation.org/veterinary-workforce-program